Saturday, May 12, 2012

I-Spy Tutorial is Here!!!


It's here!  This really is an EASY project, but I just haven't had time in my sewing room until today.  I also started a really adorable sun suit for Stella using some light blue eyelet and vintage cotton eyelet trim for the ruffles.  It is going to be sooooo cute!
But back to I-Spy bags...these are great for kids who need to work on fine motor skills, memory, learning colors and shapes, etc.  If your child is on the Autism spectrum (as the recipient of this bag is) then you will want to make a few of these!  They would be a great teacher gift for your child's special ed teacher too- make a couple and tie them up with a spa gift card.  Teachers need that! (I know, I used to be one!)

You will need:
-2 fabric scraps, about 8"x8"
-a Clear plastic scrap (needs to be thick and durable- I cut up a bag that some sheets came in, you know the heavy plastic kind with a zipper?)
-Rice, beans or plastic fillers
-Tiny objects to fit inside (Try the craft store, tiny dollhouse pieces, bead shops have cute things too)
-Sewing stuff (machine, thread)
-Scotch tape (the satin finish kind)
-A camera
-A computer and printer
-Contact paper (or a trip to the office store to laminate)

Let's get started, shall we?

Step One:
Gather up your tiny items and photograph each one individually.  Here is a sample of what is in this bag.
Step Two:
Use the individual photos to make a composite and label each item.  I used the free online photo editor "fotoflexer" in collage mode to make this!
Step Three:
Print out the composite, and cover with contact paper or laminate.  This page will be kept with the I-Spy bag.  You can attach it to the bag with double sided velcro, a metal ring, etc.  Whatever you prefer.

Step Four:
Cut out two squares, about 8"x8".
Step Five:
Fold one square over, about 1/3 of the way.  Then cut a window out!

Step Six:
Cut out a plastic window slightly larger than the fabric window.
Step Seven:
Cut out any appliques you want to use to decorate the bag.  I made some eye pieces with a button for the eyeball.  The stripes will top the black part.
Step Eight:
Place a piece of the Scotch satin tape on your presser foot.  This will make it slide effortlessly over the plastic.  (Do this anytime you sew on plastic, laminated fabric, oilcloth, etc.)
Step Nine:

Using an applique stitch of your choice, attach the plastic window.  I set my stitches close together so I didn't need to hem the window first.  Yay for saving time!
Step Ten:
Apply your design item, in my case the Eye for I-spy!

Step Eleven:
With right sides facing, sew the two squares together leaving an opening to turn/stuff.  Clip corners!  (No picture, I know you got this, right!?!?!)

Step Twelve:
Stuff with rice (or whatever you chose to use) and the tiny items.  Leave space for the top stitching!

Step Thirteen:
Top stitch once on the very edge to close the hole.  Then go in about 3/4" and do it again!  You will need to move the rice around carefully so you don't stitch over it!

All done!  Enjoy!!!

8 comments:

  1. How fun! Thanks for sharing your tutorial at the Make it Great party!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi! Quick question that's entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4. I'm
    trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue.
    If you have any suggestions, please share. Cheers!


    My web page: travel

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unquestionably imagine that that you stated.
    Your favourite reason seemed to be on the web
    the easiest thing to consider of. I say to you, I
    definitely get annoyed while other people think about concerns
    that they plainly don't recognize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thank you

    Here is my web-site: vakantiehuisjes frankrijk

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be okay. I'm undoubtedly enjoying your
    blog and look forward to new posts.

    My web site; retrobeurs apeldoorn

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi, I do believe this is a great website. I stumbledupon it ;) I may return yet again since i have
    book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you
    be rich and continue to help other people.

    Look into my site: sex via webcam

    ReplyDelete
  6. I’m not that much of a internet reader to be
    honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I'll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later on. All the best

    My web site ... vakantiehuisje huren

    ReplyDelete
  7. This article will help the internet people for creating new weblog or
    even a weblog from start to end.

    My website - vakantiehuizen frankrijk huren

    ReplyDelete
  8. I visited several web sites except the audio quality for audio songs present
    at this website is actually excellent.

    Also visit my weblog ... vakantie frankrijk

    ReplyDelete

I love your comments! Thanks so much! Please understand that I try my best to reply, but I am not always able to!